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Between Classes: Amanda Gaudry
Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing
Amanda Gaudry
is always up for a challenge
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing, 2009
Currently:
Neuropsychiatry, Mood Disorders and Concurrent Disorders at UBC Hospital as well as casual shifts at Delta Mental Health and Addictions
Hometown:
Delta, BC
High school:
Holy Cross Regional High School
Career goals:
My hope is to always be working at a challenging and rewarding career that I enjoy. Although I have met this goal for the short term, I hope to continue to challenge myself and further my education. I don’t know exactly what that will look like, but I anticipate starting with a master’s degree or a second degree.
Personal goals:
To travel and experience all life has to offer. I would love to work abroad, take a motorcycle trip across the country (or another country!) and spend time with friends and family.
My role model is:
I think there are admirable qualities in everyone if you look for them.
This spring, I will be
working as much over-time as I can, and in my spare time I will revel in the freedom from that lurking feeling that says “you have reading to do!”
But in another five years, I will be
likely ready for books and papers again.
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 17-year-old self?
If I could go back in time, I would tell my 17-year-old self not to worry so much! You only regret the things you don’t do, and the things you’ve done wrong aren’t worth worrying about anyways because there’s nothing you can do about now.
Why did you choose the field you did?
When I graduated from high school I planned on completing a Bachelor of Science, maybe in Genetics or Ecology, but I could never see myself sitting behind a lab bench. I’ve always been interested in health sciences and psychology and I loved the idea of working with people. I changed my mind a million times but once I started the program I knew it would be a good fit for me.
Why did you choose your program at Douglas?
Psychiatric Nursing at Douglas was recommended to me by a past graduate.
What was the best thing about college?
The best thing about college was that I learned so much about myself and I was able to watch myself grow up from a different perspective. I learned more than I set out to and I gained so much more than a degree and a license.
What was the hardest thing about college?
When I was in my second semester, I found that I was getting sick all the time. I had to miss clinical hours and class time, and that made me afraid I wouldn’t pass clinical. Everyone kept telling me that it was because my body wasn’t used to being in hospitals, but I knew it had to be something else. My instructors were very supportive and understanding, but my anxiety was high after missing my biology mid-term. In the end a slight down allergy was easily remedied with a new comforter and pillows. Ironic that such a little thing caused me so much grief!
What was the most important thing you learned at college?
The program taught me that I have so much to be grateful for, and that it’s possible to make the biggest difference in someone’s life with the smallest act.
What was the craziest moment you had in class here?
I will always remember therapeutic relationships class when the actors would yell and throw things around the room. Once, one of the actors built a huge barricade out of tables and chairs and we were kneeling on the ground trying to talk to him. It was so funny and we were all laughing so hard, but it made me appreciate that psychiatric nursing is never dull and will always challenge you in unexpected ways.
Who was the best instructor you had at Douglas?
I have so much respect for all the instructors at Douglas College. They each bring their own unique personalities and approaches to psychiatric nursing and I believe they are all genuinely interested in helping their students succeed. I think a turning point for me was working in Orthopedics at RCH with Edie Robertson as my clinical instructor. Edie’s confidence in me gave me the confidence to trust in my own skills and clinical decisions.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you to be leaving school?
8.5. I’m torn between elation and ambivalence. I always thought that finishing the program would be the end of tests and papers. I thought I would be financially secure and committed to a lifelong career. Now that I’m done, I know I will be back in school in a matter of time, and there will be more tests and papers in store for me! On the other hand, it feels amazing to accomplish something concrete like a license and a degree.
